Network Security Specialist

Network Security Specialist | IF-Solutions

Do you have a passion for leveraging advanced technologies in cloud transformation and zero trust architecture? Do you thrive in innovative, fast-paced environments? If so, we would love to hear from you!

We are looking for driven individuals who are excited to redefine the boundaries of technology and security. Let's push the limits together!

Are You Passionate About Cloud Transformation and Zero Trust Architecture?

Do you thrive on expanding your expertise in innovative, fast-paced environments? We’re looking for driven individuals who are eager to redefine technology and security boundaries.

Join our Network Security & Connectivity team and play a pivotal role in maintaining a secure and resilient network infrastructure that ensures global application delivery and access policies. Our team manages critical security services such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and DDI services (DNS, DHCP, and IPAM). We ensure these systems are secure, scalable, and efficient to meet evolving demands.

We are seeking Network Security Specialists with sharp analytical skills and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential threats in both on-premise and cloud environments. If safeguarding networks in dynamic settings excites you, this opportunity is for you.

Customer Request Fulfillment: Execute firewall and DNS configuration requests, ensuring precise and secure implementation.

Network Security Design and Implementation: Design, configure, and maintain network security architectures that seamlessly integrate on-premise and cloud environments.

Access Control and Threat Management: Manage Access Control Lists (ACLs), IDS/IPS systems, and threat prevention protocols to detect and mitigate risks effectively.

Technical Support and Incident Resolution: Provide 2nd and 3rd line support to diagnose and resolve security incidents promptly. Participate in projects to enhance network security.

Security Service Management: Operate and maintain security services, including regular upgrades, compliance checks, and capacity planning, to address emerging threats effectively.

Process Development and Maintenance: Develop and refine network security management procedures. Maintain the Configuration Management Database (CMDB) and generate usage reports to ensure operational efficiency and security.

This position combines operational tasks (75%), such as monitoring and maintaining security measures, with strategic project work (25%), focusing on innovation and infrastructure improvement. The role may occasionally require off-hours work for critical updates.

Work in a collaborative, technically advanced setting alongside a team of experts solving sophisticated security challenges.

Drive improvements in IT services and shape the future of network security in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Based in Utrecht, Netherlands, with opportunities to collaborate globally.

We’re seeking enthusiastic, proactive, and adaptable professionals who excel in fast-paced environments while staying updated on developments in cloud security, zero trust, and network technologies. If you’re ready to make an impact and grow your network security expertise, we encourage you to apply!

In this role, you will leverage your exceptional analytical and troubleshooting skills to resolve customer issues effectively. Employing logical and systematic approaches will help you navigate complex network scenarios. A solid foundation in networking, particularly at Layer 3 and above, is essential to confidently manage and troubleshoot sophisticated network environments.

Mandatory Certifications: CCSE (Check Point Certified Security Expert) and/or CCSA (Check Point Certified Security Administrator) are required.

Security Tools Experience: Proficiency with tools such as Illumio, Checkpoint IPS/IDS, or F5 is essential.

Enterprise Security Background: A strong understanding of enterprise network infrastructure security and hands-on experience with network security tools are critical for success in this role.

Preferred Skills: Expertise in PowerShell scripting is highly desirable.

Added Advantage: Experience with API scripting is a plus, enabling you to automate processes and enhance operational efficiency.

Critical Tools: Proficiency in diagnostic tools such as Tcpdump and Wireshark to quickly identify and resolve network issues is essential.

Security Services: In-depth understanding of Firewalls, IDS/IPS, Threat Prevention, VPNs, and Web Gateways (e.g., Illumio, Palo Alto, Checkpoint, ZScaler, F5, Akamai, Clearpass, Infoblox).

Networking Fundamentals: Familiarity with Routing/Switching, DNS/DHCP, and protocols like IPv4, IPv6, HTTP, SSL, FTP, and DNS is required.

Relevant Experience: Hands-on knowledge of authentication systems like LDAP, Microsoft Active Directory (MS AD), and ADFS (Active Directory Federation Services) is highly advantageous.

Bonus Skills: Programming skills are not mandatory but will be considered a valuable asset.

Analytical and Communication Proficiency: Strong analytical capabilities to address and resolve complex technical challenges and exceptional communication skills. Fluency in written and spoken English is necessary to effectively engage with colleagues and customers.

Methodological Expertise: Familiarity with methodologies such as Agile, Lean, ITIL, and DevOps is a plus, allowing you to thrive in and contribute to modern, efficient work environments.

If you’re excited about joining our team, please submit the following:

An up-to-date CV in English (Word format preferred; PDFs will not be accepted).

A motivation statement tailored specifically to this role, highlighting why you’re the ideal candidate.

A detailed overview of your relevant experience, including the duration, organizations, and specific roles you’ve held, clearly aligning your background with our requirements.

Know someone who would excel in this role? Please refer them to us!

Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered. We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our team!

Would you like to work for our client in the Netherlands? Let’s connect! Are you the person we are searching for? Will you be our new colleague who strengthens our client’s team and makes a difference for yourself, our customers, and society?

If you are, we would be delighted to receive your application, including your motivation.

You are already aware that our client is a financial services provider for 7.1 million customers in 40 countries. However, did you know that we strive to contribute to real change through our mission of "Growing a better world together"? We do so in numerous ways, including:

Working with Nature & Environment to raise consumer awareness about reducing food waste, as one-third of all purchased food is discarded.

Assisting individuals facing financial difficulties in organizing their household finances through a project with Humanitas.

Collaborating with "Vluchtelingenwerk Nederland" (the Dutch Council for Refugees) to help 1,500 refugees find suitable employment.

Interested? Do you want to become the best version of yourself? We would love to support and invest in your career and ambitions in an environment where you can continuously learn.

We provide you with the freedom to innovate and take the initiative. In this way, we offer numerous opportunities for growth, helping you exceed your expectations and excel as a professional.

Did you also know that we are working together towards a better world? We do so in 101 ways, such as sharing our knowledge and experience of Ethical Hacking and Red Teaming with other organizations and "hackers." This commitment is an integral part of our mission to "grow a better world together."

This job role offers a balanced split between operational (run) and project (build) work, with a distribution of 75% operational and 25% project-rel